Machine for inspecting nails.



PATENTED AUG. 2, 1904.

G. W. SPONSEL.

MACHINE FOR INSPEGTING NAILS.

APPLICATION ILED SEPT. Z5. 1903.

9 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

NO MODEL.

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No. 766,200. PATENTED AUG. 2, 1904. 0. W. SPONSEL.

MACHINE FOR INSPEGTING NAILS.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 25. 190s. No MODEL. 9 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

ig. Z.

PATENTED AUG. 2, 1904.

C. W. SPONSEL.

MACHINE FOR INSPECTING NALS.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 25, 1903.

0 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

NO MODEL.

if. L www Y V PATENTBD AUG. 2, 1904.

C. W. SPONSEL..

MACHINE FOR INSPBCTING NAILS.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 25, 1903.

9 SHEBTS-SHEBT 4.

N0 MODEL.

PATENTBD Amfz, 1904.

G. W. SPONSEL.

MACHINE POR INSPECTING NAILS.

APPLGATIOH FILED SEPT. 25, 1903.

9 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

HO MODEL.

I?? ven. 01" l' @liar/es ,Ll/@02H65 PATENTED AUG. 2, 1904.

C. W. SPONSEL.

MACHINE FOR INSPEGTING NAILS.

APPLIUATION FILED SEPT. 25, 1903.

a SHEETS-'SHEET s.

NO MODEL,

No. 700,200. PATBNTBD AUG. 2, 1004.

0. W. SPONSEL.

MACHINE FOR INSPEGTING NAILS. APPLIoATIoN FILED sBPT.25,V1903.

NO MODEL. 9 SHEETS-SHEET 7.

No. 766,200. PATENTBD AUG. 2, 1904. C. W. SPONSEL.

MACHINE FOR INSPECTING NAILS.

APPLIOATION FILED SEPT. 25, 1903.

No MQDEL. e SHEETS-SHEET u.

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PATENTED AUG. 2, 1904. Y G. W. SPONSBL. MACHINE FOR INSPBGTING NAILS.

APPLICATION FILED SEI-11.25, 1903.

9 SHEETS-SHEET 9. EQ'. ZZ

N0 MODEL.

IITED Patented August 2, 1904.

ATENT Prien.

CHARLES lV. SPONSEL, OF HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT, ASSIGNOR OF ONE- HALF TO CHARLES F. TAYLOR, OF HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT.

MACHINE FOR INSPECTIING NAILS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 766,200, dated August 2, 1904.

Application filed September 25,1903. Serial No. 174,577. (No modeid T 0N 1v/mnt 'if 711,111/ concern.'

Be it known that I, CHARL'ns lV. SroNsnL. a citizen of the United States, residing at Hartford, in the county of Hartford and State of Connecticut, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Machines for Inspecting Nails, of which the following is a specilication.

My invention relates to machines for select- IO ing and presenting nails for inspection, especially those of the horseshoe variety. Heretofore these nails have been deposited in masses on a table and have been selected one by one by an operator who inspects or is supposed to inspect each nail on its two sides, its two edges, and the point and head, rejecting those that are impaired in any way and selecting the perfect ones for package and sale. These operations are slow and tedious and, due to the haste of the operator to accomplish the required task, frequentlyv result in the selection of imperfect products detrimental to the perfection of the brand, and therefore often causing' a decrease in demand, and consequent-ly of the number manufactured. Furthermore, as each nail is handled by the operator, deposits of perspiration on the metal are liable to and do occur, thereby causing oxidation and frequently a rejection of the product.

Primarily the object of my invention is the provision of a machine for selecting; and inspecting nails in which all operations are carried out mechanically without handling in any way and in which nails not of standard size and not of perfect form will be withdrawn and rejected for trade purposes.

A further object of the invention is the provision of means, broadly, for mechanically selecting nails and for presenting them for inspection either at all points of their superlicies or at any points thereof which may be required, the selecting and presenting` operations being' carried out rapidly as compared with the old hand method and resulting in a great saving of time and labor and of expense in wages.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a carrier for presenting the nails for inspection and of means for actuating said carrier.

A further object of the invention is the provision of means for turning the nails presented by the carrier to the positions required for inspection.

Other objects of the invention will be set forth in the description hereinafter given.

ln the accompanying drawings` Figure 1 is a plan view of the improved machine for selecting and presenting nails for inspection, the hopper being removed and parts being shown in section. Fig. 2 is an end view of said machine. Fig. Bisa side elevation. Fig'. l 4 is a section on line n' .r of Fig. 1 looking in the direction of the arrow. Fig. 5 is a view, partially in section and partially in elevation, of the nail-carrier. Fig. 6 isa horizontal section of said nail-carrier, showing the coil of the electromagnets in plan. Fig. 7 isa transverse section on line w l of Fig. 6. Fig. S is a transverse section on line w `/li of Fig. 6. Fig. 9 is a transverse section on line of Fig. t3. Fig. 10 represents the carrier in position to present the heads of the nails for inspection. Fig. 11 represents the carrier with the nails in position to present one of their edges for inspection. Fig. 12 represents said carrier with the nails turned thereon to present their upper sides and points for inspection. Fig. 13 is a view similar to Fig. 1l with the nails turned to present their opposite edges for inspection. Fig. l1 represents the carrier with the nails turned to present their backs for inspection. Fig. 15 is a viewrepresenting the carrier turned to a position to inspect the points` and discharge the nails. Fig. 16 is a synchronized diagram ot' the main cam-drum, showing the cams thereof developed. Fig. 17 is a detail view of the upper set of inclined feed-rolls, showing part of the gearing for driving the screw conveyors. Fig'. 18 is a detail view, partially in section, taken on about line u a of Fig. 17. Fig. 19 is a -section on line b of Fig. 18, showing the slotted back of the feed-chute between the feed-rolls and the screw conveyers. Fig. 2O is a side view of part of the machine, illustrating the relal tive locations of the feed-rolls, intervening chute, and screw conveyers. Fig. 21 is a longitudinal section of one of the chucks, the spindle thereof being'in elevation. Fig'. 22 is an end View of one of said chucks. Fig'. 23 Vis a detail view, partially in section and partially in elevation, of a circuit establishing' and breaking' device. Fig. 24 is an end view of the device represented in Fig'. 23. Fig'. 25 is a partial section on line c c of Fig'. 1. Fig. 26 is a transverse sectional view showing' the carrier and its supporting-arms swung to a position where the magnets of said carrier will attract the set of nails to be inspected from the conveyer-screws. Fig'. 27 is a View similar to Fig. 26, showing the carrier in psition for the head inspection of the nails. Fig. 28 is a similar view representing the carrier rocked ninety degrees to present the nails for the first edge inspection and also shows by dotted lines one of the chucks for turning' the nails from flat to edge positions, and Fig. 29 is a similar view representing the carrier rocked another ninety degrees or to the point inspecting and discharging position.

Like characters designate similar parts throughout the several views.

Referring to the drawings, the numeral designates in a general way the frame of the machine, which may be of any form suitable for the purpose, is supported by legs or standards 11, and has a top 12. Journaled ina bearing 13 of the frame is a sleeve 14, carrying at its outer end a clutch-section 15, shown as of the friction type, and loosely mounted on the bearing 13 is a driving-pulley 16, having a complemental clutch-surface 17. Any suitable clutch-surfaces may be employed as substitutes for those shown and other driving elements may be used in lieu of pulley 16 without departure from the invention. At its inner end sleeve 14 is provided with a grooved collar 14' for the reception of pins or shoes projecting' from a fork 18, carried by an angle-lever 19, pivoted at 20 to a bracket of the frame and having' a bifurcated arm 19, in which is fitted a pin 21. For actuating this lever 19 to throw the clutch into and out of action any desired means may be employed, that shown being a treadle 22, pivoted at 23 to one of the legs 11 of the frame and connected by a link 24 with said lever, the link being slotted at 24 to have a limited play upon pin 21 for a purpose hereinafter stated.

Mounted within the sleeve 14 is a driving'- shaft 25, having a slot 26 in its outer end, through which passes a pin 27 for connecting the hub of the clutch-section 15 to said shaft, said slot being of suiiicient width to permit play of the pin when the clutch-section is thrown into and out of connection with the complemental clutch-surface 17 of pulley 16. Shaft is also journaled in bearings 28 of a hanger 29 and carries between said bearings a worm 30, in engagement with a worm-wheel 31, secured to a shaft 32, and on this shaft is fixed a cam-drum, (designated in a general way by 33,) the cams of said drum actuating many of the principal parts of the machine, as will be hereinafter described.

Designated by 34 is a hopper into which the nails are thrown in mass, and this hopper is provided on its under side with a bracket 35, carrying' a hub 36, mounted on a pivot 37, connecting' the arms of a fork 38. To enable the hopper to be adjusted to the proper angle, a web or ridge of the bracket is provided with a series of holes 39, through which a pin 40 may be passed, as illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, and by removing this pin, then swinging the hopper, and again securing the pin the desired position of said hopper may be obtained. Other means for accomplishing this result may be employed as substitutes for those shown without departure from the invention.

To cause the nails to slide by gravity along the bottom of the hopper, said hopper mustl be shaken to agitate the mass, and while any desired means may be employed for accomplishing this result the following arrangement is preferred: Fork 38 is provided with a hub 38, which is keyed at 41 to a vertical shaft 42. Loosely surrounding this shaft is a sleeve 43, which is adjustably secured in a bearing 44 by screws 46,'said bearing projecting from an arched bracket 45 rising from the frame. Designated by 47 is an antifriction or ball-bearing washer surrounding the vertical shaft 42 and placed between the lower end of the hub 38 and the fianged top of sleeve 43, the rotary top plate of said washer receiving the weight of the superimposed -hopper and its contents. To the lower end of shaft 42 is secured by a screw 48 an arm 49, carrying' at its free end an antifriction-roller 50, and on the cam-drum is an undulatory cam 51, having a series of camsurfaces 52, against which the roller 50 of arm 49 is held by a spring 53. secured at one end to the arm and at its opposite extremity to the arched bracket 45, as shown in Fig. 1.

From what has been stated it is obvious that the hopper 34 will be continuously Vibrated while the machine is in action, thereby shaking the mass of nails and causing' them to slide one by one into the hopper-spout 34', from which they drop into the pockets of a -drum-wheel 54, about to be described, said drum-wheel being disposed at an angle with relation to the frame, as shown in Fig. 3. This drum-wheel is formed of side plates 55, united by hollow diamond-shaped cross-bars 56, so located with relation to each otherthat a flaring nail-receiving pocket 57 is formed between two opposing sides of the said bars and a channel 58 between the other parts of the bars, said channel being of a width but slightly in excess of the standard thickness of the head of a horseshoe-nail.

Rising from the top 12 is a standard 59,

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having' an opening' for the reception of a tubular hub 51 of said drum-wheel, and on j this hub outside of the standard is secured a ratchet-wheel el), actuated to rotate the drinnwheel intermittingly by means hereinafter described.

li)esignated by 61 is a standard in which is mounted a verticalv shaft (52, carrying' at its upper end a lwvel-g'ear 63 and at its lower extremity a bevel-gear l, said g'ear 6-1 being' in mesh with a like gear (55, fixed on the driving-shaft by a screw 66, passing through its hub, and the latter carrying an eccentric 6T.

In a bracket (S of standard 61 are journaled the ends of two inclined feed-rolls 69 and To, connected to rotate in opposite directions b v gears T1 and T2, and secured to the end of roll 69 exterior to the bearing in bracket 68 is a bevel-gear 73, in mesh with the gear 63 of vertical shaft As shown in Fig's. 1, 2, 3. and -1, these inclined feed-rolls pass tln'ough the hub of the drum-wheel 54, and they are separated a distance apart equal tothe thickness of the shank of the nail, as shown more clearly in Fig'. e.

Designated by T1 is a standard having an offset inclined bearing-ln'acket T5 at its upper end for the reception of the lower journals of the feed-rolls just described, and roll TO is provided adjacent to said bearing-bracket with a screw-section T6 for engaging' and feeding' the nails, which hang'ing' by their heads between the Vfeed-rolls have slid by g'ravity, aided by the rotation of said rolls, to this point.

For intermittingl y rotating' the ratchetwheel (S0, secured to the hub of the drumwheel 5l, any desired means may be employed; but there is shown for this purpose an anglelever TT, pivoted at TT/ to the stand 59, one arm of said lever carrying' a spring-actuated pawl T8 and the other arm being' connected to a link T9, in turn articulated to a crankarm 80, attached to a shaft S1. Loose on said shaft 81 is a gear S2, carrying a ratchet-wheel S2', and rigid with the shaft below the arm 80 is a crank-arm S3, articulated to a pitman S1. Also rigid with shaft S1 is an arm S5, carrying' a pivoted pawl 85, in engagement with ratchet-wheel 82, the latter being' fixed to gear SQ by a pin S6. Shaft S1 is journaled in a bearing' 8T, formed in a bracket 8S, said bracket extending' across the frame and having an angular extension SS, as shown in Figs. 1, 18, and 20. then the eccentric 6T is in motion, the pitman 81 will turn the shaft S1, and the pawl S5 of arm 85 will eng'ag'e the ratchet-wheel 82 and intermittingly rotate gear 82, said shaft 81 through crank-arm Si), link i9, angle-lever TT, and pawl 'T8 synchronously actuating' the ratchet-wheel 60 and its connected drum 51.

intermediate the points in bearing-bracket i T5, where the lower ends of feed-rolls (S9 70 j are journaled, is a slot T, and communicatconveyers in the same direction.

ing' with this slot is a chute 89, the passageway of which is of area sufficient to receive freely the head of a nail, and in its rear wall this chute has a narrow slot 89' of dimensions su liicient to receive the point and shank of the nail, but to stop the passage of its head, so that should the nail turn as it passes from the feedrolls (59 T0 its head cannot escape through said slot. This slot is of the same width as the space between the feed-rolls, and the shanks of the nails pass therethrough on their way to the chute 89, as shown in Fig'. 1S.

Mounted on a stud 90, Fig'. 1S, projecting from extension 8S' of braeketSS, is a gearcomposed of a small pinion 91, in mesh with wheel S2, and a larger pinion 92.

Journaled in the end extensions 88' of bracket 88 are the shafts of two screw conveyers 93 and 91, located one above the other below the chute on aline diagonallycrossing' the bracket 8S and spaced a considerable distance apart, as shown in Fig'. 18, and for 1'0- tating' said conveyors in the same direction each conveyer-shaft is equipped with a pinion 95 and 96, respectively, both of which are driven in the same direction by the pinion 92, as shown in Figs. l) and 18, when said pinion is intermitting'ly actuated in the way above described.

As thus far set forth it will be seen that the nails as they drop from the' spout 34 are received in the pockets 57 of the intermittingly-rotating' drum-wheel 54;, and here it may be stated that no matter in what position the nail enters the passage-way 5S it will under the action of gravity always rig'ht itself so that it will hang by the head between the feed-rolls 69 and 70. As said rolls are inclined and are constanty rotated, the suspended nails slide along' between them until a column is formed, the lower membersof said j column being' positively engaged by the screw T6 and fed one by one until a nail leaves the feed-rollers and enters the slot T5', tln'ong'h which it will drop into the chute 89, passing' on edge through said chute and entering the IOO ITO

grooves between two threads of the then stationary screw conveyers 93 and 94e, as illustrated in Fig'. 18.

Designated by 97 is a lig'ht spring', beneath which each nail passes as it leaves the chute and eng'ag'cs the screw conveyers, the object of said spring' being' to retard the velocity of the falling' nail and prevent injury to its point when it strikes a stopplate 98, extending across the machine, said stop-plate having' flanges 98 secured to the ends of the bracket 88 and also having' a longitudinal lip or projection 9S2 for preventing upward movement of the` nails, due to the rotation of the screw It will be seen that as the nail falls with accelerated velocity through the chute such velocity will be retarded byI the spring' 9T, which bears upon the edge of the nail so that its point will strike the stop-plate lig'htly and will not be injured by contact therewith, as above stated.

In the timing of the machine the screw conveyers will, as stated, be at rest when a Y nail falls edg'ewise into two of their alined be taken from the conveyers by a carrier i 5 and 9.

about to be described and will be presented by said carrier for the several inspections.

Preferably a magnetic carrier is employed, although the invention is not limited to one of this type, and a form of such carrier which may be used is illustrated in Figs. 5 to 9, inclusive, and is shown in its various positions in Figs. 10 to 15 and 26 to 29, inclusive. This carrier is designated by 99 and is of hollow rectangular form.

Two plates 100, of brass or other non-magnetic material, each having' notches 100' for the reception of nails, constitute the sides of the carrier, and back of these plates are iron or other magnetizable plates 101'of' less width than the plates 100, so that their upper edges will be below the bases of the notches 100' and will therefore not come into contact with the nails, said plates being separated to form a coil-receivingchamber by a central core 102, around which is placed an oblong coil 103, composed of insulated wire of fine gage.

To inclose and protect the coil, top and bottom plates 104, of brass or other non-mag'netic material, are placed between the plates 101 and all the parts are firmly secured together by screws 105 passing through the side plates and threaded into the core, as shown in Figs. Trunnions 106 have heads 107 for closing the ends of the coil-chamber, and these heads are grooved at 107' to receive rabbets 104' on the protecting-plates 104 and have flattened -sides 1072, upon which the ends of the plates 101 rest, screws 108 passing' through said ends and entering nuts in the heads. Spools 109, composed of vulcanized fiber or other insulating material, surround and are keyed to the trunnions 106, and the flanges of said, spools bear on one side against collars 110 of' the arms 113 113' and on their other sides against the heads 107. Between the flang'es of each spoolis a metallic contact-ring 111 111', respectively, and the ends 103' 1032 of the coil, from which the insulating material has been stripped, are inserted in said contact rings, as shown in Fig'. 6. Reduced extensions 106' 1062 of the trunnions are journaled in bearings 112 112' of arms 113 113', and in the top of the bearing of arm 113 is formed a chamber 114 for the reception of' a plunger 115, in a bore of which is inserted a spring 116, the tension of' which may be regulated by a screw 117, threaded into the bore, as shown in Figs. 5 and 7, trunnion extension 106' being provided with three flattened portions 1063, against which the plunger bears,

said plunger serving to secure the carrier 99 against movement during the several inspecting periods hereinafter described. To a reduced end of extension 106' is keyed a gearwheel 118, held against longitudinal movement by a nut 119, said gear-wheel being actuated by means hereinafter described.

Designated by 120 is a stand, in bearings 120' of which is j ournaled a shaft 121, to which the arms 113 113' are secured, and attached ering the arms 113 113' to cause the carrier to approach the screw conveyers 93 and 94, receive its load from said conveyers, and to return to its normal position, as illustrated in Fig. y27.

To energize and denergize the plates 101 of the carrier at the proper times, a contact device is employed, and although various means are applicable for accomplishing this result l prefer to use an angle-lever 131, pivoted at 130 to a stand 132 on the top of the machine, said stand being separated from the top by a bed 133, of insulating material. One arm 131' of' the angle-lever is chambered and is packed with insulating material 135, and surrounded by this material is a contact-rod 136.l Binding-posts 137 137' in the form of screws serve to secure the flanged bases of contact-strips 138 138' to said insulating-bed, (said strips being' bent, as shown in Fig. 24, to form parallel rod-engaging surfaces 1382,) and a wire 139 is secured by the screw 137' to the base of the con tact-strip 138' and passes therefrom through an opening of the frame top to one pole of a battery 140 or other source of electric energy, while a conductor 141 is secured by a post 137 to the base of contactstrip 138, passes through openings of the top, and is secured by a binding-post 142 to a curved metallic plate 143', mounted on a ring' of insulating material 144', surrounding and secured to a stud projecting from one of the shaft-bearings 120' of stand 120. Inwardly projecting from arm 113' is a block 145', ofl insulating' material, to which is secured a contact-strip 146', one end of said strip bearing upon the contact-ring 111' of carrier 99 and the opposite extremity upon the curved contact-strip 143', as shown in Figs. 1 and 26 to 29, inclusive. Leading' from the opposite pole of the source of energy 140 is a wire 147,

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passing' under and throug'h the machine-top and secured to a curved contact-strip 118, insulated in a like manner to that of strip 113 from the stand 120, and attached to an insulating-block 115, projecting from arm 113, is a contact-strip 116. having its ends in engagement with the contact-ring 111 and curved contact-strip 113. Journaled on a stud of arm 1312 of lever 131 is a roller 118, which bears upon the periphery of cam 119 of the main cam-cylinder 33, said cam having' in- E clined portions 119' 1192, connected by a fiat part 1193, as shown in Fig'. 16. From what has been stated it will be evident when the roller 118 is raised by cam 119 the contact-rod 136 will be thrown temporarily from a point between the parallel parts 158:Z of contacts 138 138 tothe position represented in Fig's. 28 and 21, where it will be out of engagement with the contactstrips, and the circuit leading to the electroni-aguets 101 of carrier 99 will be broken until the roller passes oif from the incline 119:i of the cam, when a spring' 150 will immediately act to throw the lever-arm 131 downward to carry the roller into contact with the plain portion of the cam and to throw arm 131l and its contact-rod 136 upward, the latter pressingl apart and rengaging the contact-strips 188 138', thus establishing' the circuit and again energizing the plates 101 of the carrier.

Here it may be stated that the circuit to the magnets is established during all of the inspecting' periods of the nails and that in the timing of the machine when the last inspection has been made the cam 119 will have arrived at a point to actuate thelever 136 and break the circuit, thereby deenergizing the magnets and permitting the inspected nails to drop from the carrier.

For rocking the carrier a toothed sector 151 in engagement with gear 118 is provided, said sector being at the end of an arm 151,having a hub 1512 sleeved loosely upon the shaft 121 between an end collar 152 thereof and the hub of arm 113, and for actuatingsaid sector a rod 153 is articulated to a projection of arm 151 at one end and extending across the machine is connected to the upper end of a rocker 151, pivoted intermediate its length to a hanger 155, depending' from the machinetop, as shown by dotted lines in Fig's. 2 and 8. At its lower end this rocker is provided with a stud and roller 156.entering a g'roove 157 of the main cam-cylinder 33. This cam-groove is shown developed in Fig'. 16 and has a straight vportion u, a short inclined or active portion I. a long straight inactive portion c, a second short inclined portion (I, a following straight part ff, an incline j', an opposite incline g, and another incline /r for purposes hereinafter set forth.

Designated by 158 is a stand having ways for the reception of a slide 159, which is located opposite the carrier when the latter is l intermediate the lever in its normal position. rlhis slide is grooved at 159' for the reception of a rack 166, said rack having a slotted projection .166 at its end to receivea pin 161 on one arm of a horizontallypivoted angle-lever 162, the other arm of said angle-lever carrying a stud and roller 163, bearing against a cam-surface 161 of the Inain cani and being' held against said surface by a spring' 165. as shown in Fig. 1. This cam-surface has a long straight portion i, is inclined to the right at j, straight at inclined to the right at has a short straight portion m at its rise, is inclined to theleft at n, has a short straight portion n, terminating in a right incline y), followed by a flat top /1 at the rise, and an incline to the left at fr, said incline yr merging into the longl straight part i, as shown in Fig. 16 and for purposes hereinafter stated.

Connected to a tongue ot' the slide 159 is a link 166, articulated at its rearend to a lever 167, pivoted at `168 to a standard 169, secured to the top of the machine. A pin 167 at the end of lever 167 has a roller litted in a g'roove 170 ofthe main cam, said groove being' composed of a long straight inactive portion s, a right incline f, a short straight part n, a left incline w, a short straight part if', anotherlike portion f w/ fr, a short straight part .r and still another like inclined and straight section f2 'u2 r2, and by this cani the slide is actuated in proper timing with other cooperating parts, as will hereinafter appear. Journaled in the slide are spindles 171, each carrying' a pinion 172 'at its rear end, and pinned to each spindle is a chuck 173, having a cup-shaped flaring front end 173, a rectangular slot 173;' for the reception of the shank of the nail, and a chamber 173S back of the slot. These chucks advance upon the shanks of the nai'ls held by the carrier 99, and to prevent said nails from being displaced longitudinally of the carrier arms 171171l are secured to the stationary bearings 126 of stand 121), said arms carrying an abutment-bar 175 for preventing movement of the nails when the chucks engage them, as shown in Figs. 1, 26, 27, 28, and 29. As the nails may wabble slightly when received by the chucks, each chamber 173 will afford space for this action.

Carried on the end of the main shaft is a wheel 176, having' its periphery cut away to produce a series of stops 1, 2, 3, 1, 5, and 6, hereinafter described.

Pivoted intermediate its length to a hanger 177 is a lever 178, and articulated to the longl arm of this lever is a rod 179, having a fork 180, connected to the treadle-lever 22. At its inner end lever 178 carries a pivoted bypass 181, held normally against a stop 182 by a spring' 183, and said lever is held in the position illustrated in Fig. 1 by a spring 181, said spring serving also as a means for throwing' the clutch into action through the parts 178 and the clutch- IOO IOS

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sleeve 14, as above described and as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 4.

To insure the selection of perfect work, each nail must be inspected at six different points, viZ: first, the head, Fig'. 10; second, one edge, Fig. 11; third, the front and beveled point, Fig. 12; fourth, the opposite edge, Fig. 13; iifth, the back, Fig. 14, and, sixth, the end of the point, Fig. 15, for if foundV defective in any of these particulars it will not be up to standard and must be rejected.

A seat for the operator (who looks down upon the carrier) is placed in front of the Stand 120, and as the nails are subjected to visual inspection, aided, if necessary,b y a magnifying-glass, the carrier must be held stationary for a sufcient period to enable each inspection to be made, and if a nail isfound defective it is picked o5 from said carrier by hand and discarded, the plates or electromagnets 101 not being' of sufficient power to interfere with such action.

Normally the clutch-sections 15 and 17 are in engagement, being so maintained by the spring 184 acting' upon the clutch-sleeve 14 through the medium of the lever 178, rod 179, treadle 22, slotted link 24, and angle-lever 19, and to start' the machine power is applied to pulley 16 by means of a belt leading from the usual counter-shaft. As shown in'Fig. 27, the shaft 121 has been rocked by cam-groove 127 and the connections from roller 126 described to bring' the arms 113 113 to the position for the iirst or head inspection, where said arms remain during all of the subsequent inspecting periods. (See Figs. 28 and 29.) At this period and the other inspecting periods the roller 148 controlling contact-rod 136 is upon the long plain part of cam 149, the sector-controlling roller 156 is in the plain part of groove 157, it having just left the ineline b of said groove, the arm-controlling roller 126 is in the plain part of cam-groove 127, the slide-controlling roller 167 is in the straight part s of cam-groove 170, and the rackcontrolling roller 163 is-on the straight part t' of cam 164, all as indicated by the dotted line O in Fig. 16, and the nails of the carrier are in position for the second or edge inspection thereof, as shown in Fig. 11.

At the termination of the second inspection period the nails must be given a quarter-turn to present their fronts for inspection, and this is accomplished byl the chucks 173, whose slide 159 is then driven forward by the part t of camgroove 170 in engagement at this time with the roller 167/, as shown in Fig. 16, to cause the chucks to engage the nail-Shanks, the rack 16() being then operated by incline j of cam 164, which acts upon the roller163 of angle-lever 162, thereby rocking said lever, shifting said rack toward the right, and imparting a turning movement of ninety degrees to the nails, or, in other words, turning them from the edge position (shown in Fig.

sition by the short straight part fw lof said groove, and the rack-controlling roller 163 is forced by spring 165 against the short straight part 7c of cam 164 and holds the rack 160 in its shifted position during the entire third inspection period, and at the conclusion of said period slide 159 is again advanced by the second incline t of groove 170 and is held momentarily by short straight part u'. Roller 163 is again advanced by incline Z to impart a further movement to the rack toward the right, thereby turning the spindles and their chucks 173 another ninety degrees and bringing the nails from the position shown in Fig. 12 to the opposite edge position (represented by Fig. 13) in readiness for the fourth inspection period. After a short dwell, due to the Straight portions fm and u', the rack and slide are immediately withdrawn by inclines n and o and are maintained in their withdrawn positions during the fourth inspection period. During this period the nails rest on their edges in the notches 100 of plates 100, as represented in Fig. 13, and at the termination thereof the slide is again advanced by the third incline 252 of cam 170 to force the chucks upon their shanks, and the rack-controlling roller 163 engages the cam j), thereby again shifting the rack to the right and rotating the chuck-spindles another ninety degrees to turn the nails from the position represented in Fig. 13 to that illustrated in Fig. 14, (the fth inspection period,) where their backs are presented for inspection, after which the incline u2 withdraws the slide, and the spring 165 rocks lever 162, forces the roller 163 against incline r, and returns the rack to the left to its normal position. After said iifth inspection period roller 167' travels in the straight inactive part s of cam-groove 170, and the slide 159 is held stationary until the inspection of the lot held by the carrier is completed and the carrier has been rotated to the position illustrated in Figs. 15 and 29.

rlo present the nails for the sixth or finalpoint inspection, the carrier 99 must be turned ninety degrees, or from the position represented in Fig. 14 to that illustrated in Figs. 15 and 29, and this is accomplishedby the sector 151, in mesh with the pinion 118 on the trunnion 106 106' of said carrier.

As before stated, the arm 151 of sector 151 is connected by rod 153 with a rocker 154, having a stud .and roller 156, working in the cam-groove 157 of cam 33, and said roller 156 has thus far followed the straight part c of the cam -groove, as shown in Fig. 16. Now, however, said roller enters the inclined part Z of the groove, thereby actuating, through the parts described, the sector 151,

roo l and thus turning the cai'rier to the position illustrated in Figs. and 20, wliei'e the points of the nails ai'e presented vertically for the sixth inspection period, the cai'i'iei' being' held during' this pei'iod by the engagement of the i'ollei' 150 with the straight pai't if of said groove 15T.

During' all ofthe movements of the carriei' thus far desci'ibed lthe i'ollei' 11S of level' 131 has been held against the sti'aig'lit inactive part of cam 119, as shown in Fig. 16; but at the end of the tinal inspection period said i'ollei' is forced upward by the incline 119, thereby rocking the contact-i'od 130 to the position illustrated in Figs. 2B and 21, breaking' the circuit, deenerg'izing the plates 101, and permitting the inspected nails to fall from the carriei'. lf the nails were in direct contact with plates 101, the effect of residual magnetism in said plates after the circuit is broken might prevent their free discharge, and toovercome this dilficulty the nails ai'e supported above said plates, but within the magnetic field, in the notches 100l of the brass or other non-magnetic plates 100` said notches being of sufficient width to enable the nails to be freely tui'ned therein to the positions above described. Other means for preventing the effects of residual magnetism may be employed, if desired, the invention not being' limited in this i'espect. During the short time that the circuit is broken the i'oller 11S engages the straight pai't 119 of cam 119. and as cam 33 moves onward it then i'idcs down the incline 110i, permitting the spring 150 to rock lever 131. and thus throw the contacti'od 130 between the parallel pai'ts 13e of contact-strips 138 13S' to reestablish the circuit and again energize the plates 101.

After an inspected lot of nails has been discharged the shaft 121 is actuated to thi'ow the arms 113 11?/ and carrier 09 downward to the position represented by Fig. 26, and this is accomplished by connecting-rod123, rocker 121. and cam-groove 127 engaging the roller 120 of said rocker in the following' manner: Referring' to the diagram` it will be seen that after leaving' the long inactive pai't of lsaid cani-gi'oove the i'ollei' 12b' entei's incline 128 of said groove and is actuated thereby to throw the cari'ier, through the connections described, from the position shown in Figs. 15 and 20 to that illustrated in Fig'. 26, where a new lot of nails is taken from the screw conveyers 03 and 91 by theI electromagiiets 101; but before this is accomplished the carrier must be turned one hundred and eighty degrees. or fi'oin the position represented in Fig. 2S) to that shown in Fig. 20, and this is done by the inclinefof caiii-gi'oove 15T,wliich acting' upon roller 156 actuates, through described eonnections, the sector-arm 151, thus turning the hub 1512 of said arm upon shaft quired position, or that represented in Fig. 21S. As the carrier under the action of incline 128 swings downward to obtain a new supply of nails the sector 151 must move with it and without tui'iiiiig said carrier, and, as will be seen by referring to the diagram, the i'ollei' 156, controlling the sector, enters an incline f/ of g'roove 15T simultaneously with the entrance of roller 126 into the incline 128 of groove 12T, thereby iinpai'ting' simultaneous movements to the sector and carrier-arms and of coui'se not rotating' the cai'i'ier. After a new lot of nails has been received by the carrier it must be returned to the lirst or head-inspecting' position (shown in Fig. 2T) without being rotated by the sector 151, and this is done by the inclined section 129 of cani-groove 12T` the section /t of cam-groove 15T at this time engaging' roller 156 and causing' the sector-arm 151' to rotate with shaft 121 in synchronism with the movement of the carrier-arms 113 113.

By inspection of the diagram it will be seen that the cam 33 travels from the dotted line 1 to the line 2 during tlielirst or head inspection period without actuating the carrier; that the sector 151 is then actuated by roller 156 working in incline of cani 15T to tiii'n the carrier to the position representedin Fig. 11 for the second inspection period when the cam travels from line 2 to line 0; that between the line 0 and line 3 said second inspection period takes place; that between lines 3 and 41 the tirst incline z of caiii-gi'oove 170 will actuate the i'ollei' 167/ and foi'cc the slide 159 forward to cause the chucks 173 to engage the nails; that immediately thereafter d ui'iiig the travel of the cani fi'om line 1 to line 5 the rack-controlling roller is actuated by incline j of cam 164 to cause the chucks 173 to be rotated to tui'ii the nails from the edge positions to the face pi'eseiitation represented by IOO Fig. 12 for the third inspection pci'iod, the

rack being' held stationary during this period by the -raised plain pai't of said cam 16st as it travels from about line 5 to line T; that as cam 33 rotates from line 5 to line 6 the incline r will cause roller 167' and connections to withdraw slide 150 and its i'ack 100 to normal position and hold it there until the roller 16T' leaves section y//- of cani-groove 170 at line 7 and enters the second incline i" to be forced forward, held at H', and returned at n between lines T and 10 to cause the chucks to engage the nails and to be again rotated ninety degrees by the i'ack 100, whose controlling-roller163 is forced forward by incline held momentarily by short straight section m between lines t) and 10 and then withdrawn as it passes along' incline `n between lines 10 and 11, the slide 159 having been previousl y withdrawn by the action of incline w as the cam travels from line 9 to line 10', that by this action of the parts 121 and, through the intermeshing sector 151 i the nails have been turnedfrom their face posiand pinion 118, rotating said carrier to the i'el tions, Fig. 12, to the opposite edge positions,

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Fig'. 13, where they are maintained for the fourth or opposite edge inspection as the roller 163 travels along straight part o of cam 164 between lines 11 and 13 and while the straight part a' of cam-groove 17 O engages the roller 167 between lines 10 and 12; that after the fourth inspection has been made roller 167 will enter the incline t2 between lines 12 and 13, which will again force slide 159 forward, roller 163 then being engaged by incline p of cam 164 between lines 13 and 14 to aetuate the rack 160 and turn the chuck-spindles ninety degrees, and thus present the backs of the nails for the fifth inspection period, as illustrated in Fig. 14; that the slide and rack are then withdrawn by inclines @zand r between lines 14 and 15 and 15 and 16,res pectively; that cam 33 travels from line 16 to line 17 during said fifth inspection period; that sector-controlling roller 156, which has traveled in the long straight part c of cam-g'roove 157 from line 0 to line 17,

now actuates said sector by enteringincline d.

between lines 17 and 18, thus turning' the carrier 99 from the position shown in Fig. 14 to the point-inspecting and discharging position, (illustrated in Figs. 15 and 29;) that the cam travels from line 18 to line 19 during the sixth inspection period, the rollers 163 and 167 being then in engagement with the straight parts z' and .s of cams 164 170; that at the conclusion of this inspection period the circuit is broken as roller 148 travels along inclined part 149 and fiat part 1493between lines'19 and21; that said circuit is restablished when the roller 148 travels down incline 1492 of cam 149 and is continued while the roller is in contact with the main straight part of said cam; that the sector is actuated to turn the carrier to its nail-receiving position as roller 156 travels from line 20 to line 22 in inclinef; that the carrier and its arms are rocked to the position represented in Fig. 26 to receive a new lot of nails when the roller 126 travels along incline 128 of groove 127 from line 22 to line 23; that rollers 126 156 simultaneously travel along incline g of. cam-groove 157 and incline 128 of camgroove 127 to move the sector 151, shaft 121, and carrier-arms 113 113 in unison as the cam travels from line 22 to line 23 to bring the carrier to the nail-receiving position shown in Fig. 26, and that said sector and arms are simultaneously raised to the head-inspecting position (represented in Figs. 10 and 27) when rollers 126 and 156, respectively, enter the inclines and 129 of grooves 157 and 127 as the cam travels from line 23 to line 24, when the operations just described will be repeated as long as the machine is in operation. During all of these operations nails are being discharged from the continuously-vibrated hopper 34 into the pockets 51 of drum-wheel 54, and should a nail be deposited in a wrong position in any ofA said pockets orbe of such dimensions that it cannot enter the passage 58 between each. pair of diamond-shaped crossbars 56 it will drop by gravity from such pocket when the drum-wheel is intermittingly rotated to the required position by the means described. As the drum-wheel is intermittingly rotated the screw conveyers 93 94 are also intermittingly actuated, and consequently the nails fall one by one from the feed-rolls 69 70 into the chute 89, drop on edge through said chute, and enter the spaces between the threads of said` screw conveyers while the latter are stationary, as shown in Fig. 18, and are advanced by the conveyers until a column of the desired number is formed, to be received into the notches 100 of the carrier in the manner above described.

It may happen that during some one of the siX inspection periods it is desirable to stop the machine suddenly to afford more time for inspection or to remove the nails if an imperfeet' lot is held by the carrier, and in this connection it is important that the selecting and feeding devices should continue in operation as long as possible, so that a full supply will always be ready for the carrier. To enable this result to be accomplished, the wheel 176 is provided on shaft 32, and this wheel, as before stated, has a number of teeth or projections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, teeth 1 and 5 being of the same width, teeth 2, 3, and 4 of the same width, and tooth 6 of much greater width than any of the others. Between each pair of teeth is what may be termed an inspection-space, and when the by-pass 181 is opposite any of said inspection-spaces and it is desired to stop the machine this can be done by depressing treadle 22 and, through link 24 and angle-lever 19, shifting clutchsleeve 14 to the right, (see Fig. 4,) and thus disengaging clutch surfaces 15 and 17. Should, however, an attempt be made to stop lthe machine between two inspection periods,

the by-pass 181 will engage one of the teeth of wheel 17 6 and prevent such action, the lost motion of the link 24, due to slot 24', permitting', however, a movement of the treadle when depressed without shifting the anglelever and clutch-sleeve until the by-pass engages one of the teeth. Should one of the teeth of the wheel engage the by-pass as said wheel rotates in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 2, saidby-pass will be rocked on its pivot and will after the tooth passes be immediatelyv returned to normal position by the spring 183.

My invention is not limited to the precise devices shown and described nor to the arrangement and proportions of parts illustrated, for many changes may be made without departure therefrom. Furthermore, the nails may be fed to a position for reception by the carrier by various means different from those shown, and other mechanism may be employed for actuating the carrier without departure from the invention. So, too, the carrier may be constructed to receive one IOO IZO

or any number' of nails and the means for holding and turning' the nails may be different from those shown, the invention not being limited in this respect.

Many of the parts of the machinemfor instance, the nail selecting' and feeding' mechanism and the electromag'netic carrier--may also be employed in different relations and in different arts, if desired, without departure from the field of the invention.

No claim is herein made to the magnetic carrier, for it will constitute the subject of a separate application.

Having' thus described my invention, what I claim isl. ln an inspecting-machine, the combinai tion, with a carrier for supporting' an article, of means for turning' said article while held by the carrier into a position for inspection.

2. l'n an inspecting-machine, the combination, with a carrier for supporting' an article, of means for turning said article while held by the carrier into a plurality of positions for inspection.

3. In an inspecting-machine, the combination, with a carrier, of means for supplying' an article to said carrier; means for actuating' the carrier; and means for turning' the article while supported by the carrier into a position for inspection.

i. The combination, with a nail-supporting carrier, of feed mechanism for supplying' the carrier; and means for turning the product held by said carrier into various inspection positions.

The combination, with a nail-supporting' carrier, of means for turning' the product while held by the carrier into a plurality of positions for inspection; and means for actuating' the carrier to a position for the final inspection and discharge of said product.

6. Vln an inspecting-machine, the combination, with feed mechanism, of a carrier; means for actuating' the carrier; and means for turning' the product held by said carrier into a plurality of positions for inspection purposes.

T. ln an inspecting-machine, the combination, with selecting' and feed mechanism, of a carrier for receiving' an article from the feed mechanism; and means for turning said article into a plurality of positions for inspection purposes. l

ln a machine of the class described, the combination, of the following' instrumentalities or organisms: feed mechanism; a carrier; means for turning' the product held by the cai'- rier; and means for actuating' said carrier to different positions.

9. In a machine of the class described, the combination, with feed mechanism, of selecting mechanism; a carrier; mechanism for del livering' the selected product to said carrier;

means for actuating' the carrier; and means for turning' the product held by the carrier i into a plurality of positions for inspection purposes.

l0. ln an inspecting-machine, the combination, with a selecting device, of a carrier; means for conveying' the product from the selecting device to said carrier; means for actuating' the carrier; and means for turning' the product while held by the carrier into al plurality of positions for inspection purposes.

l1. The combination, with a device having' pockets for the reception of articles and passag'es leading' from said pockets, of means for rotating' said device; mechanism for receiving' and feeding' the articles delivered from the passages; conveying mechanism for receiving' the articles delivered by the feeding mechanism; a carrier; means for actuating' the cai'- rier toward and from the conveying' mechanism; means on the carrier for holding the articles; and means for turning the articles while they are held by said carrier.

12. A selecting' device having' pockets for the reception of articles, and discharge-passages of area sui'licient to receive articles of standard size leading' from the pockets, whereby articles of oversize will not be admitted to said passages, combined with means for actuating' said device to bring the pockets into receiving' position.

13. A selecting' device having' individual Haring' pockets and passages for admission of articles of standard size leading from said pockets, whereby articles of oversize will be rejected, combined with means for actuating said selecting device to bring the pockets into receiving position.

l-i. A nail selecting' and delivering device having' pockets, and passages adapted to receive articles of standard size, and to reject those of oversize, leading from said pockets, combined with mechanism for actuating' said device to bring the pockets into position for the reception of nails; and mechanism for receiving' and feeding' the product delivered by said device.

l5. rhe combination, with a hopper, and with means for agitating' the same, of a selecting` device having' pockets. and passages adapted to receive articles of standard size, and to reject those of oversize, leading' from said pockets; means for actuating' said selecting' device; feed mechanism; conveyormechanism; a chute connecting said feed and conveyer mechanisms; a carrier; and means for actuating the carrier toward and from the conveyor mechanism.

1G. A nail-selecting wheel having' a series of flaring' pockets, and a series of passages leading from said pockets, each passage being of area sufficient to receive a standard size of nail, but to reject a nail of oversize; combined with means for actuatingsaid selecting-wheel.

1T. A nail-selecting' wheel having' a tubular hub, pockets, and radial passages. each of area lOO IIO

sufficient to receive a nail of standard size, leading from said pockets tln'ough the hub.

18. rI`he combination, with a hopper', and with means for vibrating the same, of a selecting-wheel having' iaring pockets, a tubular hub, and passages, each of area sufficient to receive a nail of standard size, leading from said pockets through the hub; means for intermittingly rotating' said wheel; and means for conveying' the selected nails away from said wheel.

19. The combination, with a vibrating hopper, of a selecting-wheel having pockets and passages, each of area suiicient to receivean article of standard size. but to reject an article of oversize, leading from said pockets; means for intermittingly rotating said wheel; and means for receiving and delivering the product accepted by said wheel.

20. A nail-selecting wheel composed of end plates, a tubular hub, and tubular, diamondshaped cross-bars connecting' said end plates and hub.

2l. rIhe combination, with feed mechanism, of a chute into which the articles delivered by said feed mechanism are discharged; conveyer mechanism for receiving' the articles from the chute; a carrier; means on the carrier for holding the article; means for actuating the carrier toward and from said conveyer mechanism; and means for rotating said articles on the carrier to present them for inspection.

22. The combination, with rotary feed-rolls, of a chute; conveyer-screws for receiving the product Idelivered by said chute; a carrier; means onI the carrier for holding the product to be inspected; means for actuating the carrier toward and from the conveyer-screws; and means for intermittingly rotating the product on the carrier to present it for inspection.

23. rIhe combination, with rotary feed-rolls, one of which has a threaded portion, of a chute into which the product is delivered by said feed-rolls; conveyer-screws for receivingthe product from the chute; a carrier; means on the carrier for taking the product from the conveyer-screws; means for actuating the carrier toward and from said conveyer-screws; and means for turning the product on the carrier to present it for inspection.

24. The combination, with a pair of rotaryV feed-rolls, of a chute having a slot in one of its walls; a pair of conveyer-screws; means for actuating'said screws; a carrier; and means for actuating the carrier toward and from the conveyer-screws.

25. The combination with feedmechanism, of a chute located at an angle to said feed mechanism, and having a slot of a width to receive a shank of a nail when delivered by said feed mechanism, the slot being of dimensions to prevent'the passage of the head of the nail.

26. The combination, with inclined feedrolls, and with means for rotating the same,

of a chute located'at an angle to said feed-rolls, and having a slot in one of its walls through which the shank of a nail may pass as itis delivered by the feed-rolls, said slot being of a width to prevent the passage of the head of the nail, should it turn as it leaves the feed-rolls.

27. rIhe combination, with a hopper, and with ,means for -vibrating the same, of a rotary wheel having pockets and passages leading from said pockets; feed-rolls for receiving the product delivered from the passages; means for actuating said feed-rolls; a chute located at an angle to the feed-rolls, and having a slot in one of its walls; screw conveyers; and means for actuating said screw conveyers.

28. rIhe combination,with a hopper, and with means for vibrating the same, of a drumwheel having pockets, passages leading from said pockets, and a tubular hub; inclined feedrolls passing through the hub of the drumwheel; .means for rotating said rolls; a chute located at the delivery end of the feed-rolls; screw conveyers; means for actuating said screw conveyers; a carrier; and means for actuating said carrier toward and from the screw conveyers.

29. The combination, with a feed device, and with means for actuating the same, of a carrier; means on the carrier for holding the product delivered froln the feed device; means for actuating one of said devices toward and from the other; and means for intermittingly rotating the product to present it for inspection.

30. In an inspecting-machine, a carrier for presenting an article for inspection, combined with a device for engaging' the article and turning it while held by the carrier; and means for actuating said device.

8l. -In an inspecting-machine, a carrier having means for holding articles, combined with TOO means for turning said articles; and means for moving the carrier from one inspecting position to another inspecting position.

32. In an inspecting-machine, a carrier having an article-holding device, combined With means for turning the article; means for actuating `the carrier; and means for supplying the article to said carrier.

33. A magnetic carrier, combined with means for turning an article held thereon.

34. A carrierhaving an electromagnet, combined with a circuit; means for making and breaking said circuit; and means for turning the article for inspection while held on the carrier by the electromagnet.

35. In combination, with feed mechanism a carrier; means on said carrier for holding one or more nails; means for turning' the product held by the carrier into a plurality of positions for inspection; and means for actuating the carrier from one position to another position, and for holding it stationary during the inspection period. v

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holding' one or moi'e articles; means for turning the product `held by the carrier into a plurality of positions for inspection; and means for actuating' the carrier to positions'to receive and then to discharge said product.

38. In c r mbination, a carrier.y and means thereon for holding one or more articles; means for turning' the product held on the carrier into a plurality of positions for inspection; means 'for actuating the carrier to a product-receiving' position and to a productinspection position; means for rocking' the carrier to a product-discharg'ing' position; and means for rocking the carrier intermediate said positions and for holding' it at rest during the inspection periods.

3%). In combination, with a carrier and an clectromag'net thereon for holding' one or more articles, means for turning the product held on the carrier into a plurality of positions for inspection; means 'for rocking' the carrier to a discharg'e position; a circuit; and means for making' and breaking' said circuit.

il). ln combination; a 'arrier, electromagnets on the carrier; a circuit; means for making' and breaking sail circuit; means for turning the product on the carrier; means for rocking' the carrier; and means for preventingl the effect of residual magnetism when the carrier is rocked to a discharging' position and the circuit is broken.

il. In an inspecting-machine, in combination, a shaft: means for rocking said shaft; arms secured to the shaft, and having' bearings: a carrier for the product to be inspected, and having' trunnions journaled in the bearings of the arms; and means 'for axially rotating' the carrier.

i2. In an inspecting'machine, in combination, a shaft; means for rocking' said shaft; arms secured to the shaft, and having' bearings; a magnetic carrier for the product to be inspected, and having' trunnions journaled in and insulated fromsaid arms; acircuit; means for making' and breaking' said circuit; and means acting' upon one o'f the trunnions for rotating' the carrier.

i3. ln an inspectingmachine, in combination, a carrier for the product to be inspected; feed mechanism; cam-controlled mechanism for actuating' the carrier toward and from said Afeed mechanism; and gearing' for axially rotating' the carrier.

ii. In an inspecting-machine, in combination, a carrier for the product to be inspected; arms in which it is supported for swinging' movement; means for axially rotating' the carrier; and means for actuating' the arms.

5. In an inspecting-machine, in combination, a shaft; arms secured to said shaft; camcontrolled mechanism for rocking' the shaft; a carrier for the product to be inspected, and having' trunnions journaled in the arms; a gear carried by one of the trunnions; a sector in engagement with said gear; and means 'for actuating' said sector` 6. In combination, a shaft having' a crankarm to which power is applied; a pair of separated arms rigid with said shaft; a carrier journaled in said arms; a pinion secured tothe carrier; and means for partially rotating' said pinion at intervals.

47. In combination, a shaft Ijournaled in bearing's of the frame; a crank-arm rigid with the shaft; mechanism for actuating'said crankarm; a pair of arms rigid with the shaft; a carrier having' trunnions journaled in said pair of arms; a pivoted sector in mesh with the pinion; and means 'for intermitting'ly actuating' the sector.

48. In combination, a shaft; means for rocking the shaft; arms rigid with said shaft; a carrier having'electromag'nets; an electric circuit, means for making' and breaking' the circuit; feed mechanism; means for turning' the articles held by the carrier; and means for axially rocking' the carrier at intervals.

9. Ina nail-inspecting' machine.v the combination, with feed mechanism, of a nail-receiving' carrier; a main cam-drum; cam-controlled mechanism for actuating' said carrier toward and from the feed mechanism; and cam-controlled mechanism for intermitting'ly rocking' the carrier from one position to another.

50. Ina nail-inspecting'machine, the combination, with conveyer-screws, of a chute for delivering' nails to said screws; a device for retarding the passage of each nail as it falls from the chute upon said conveyers; and an abutment for receiving' the impact of the nails as they are delivered to the conveyer-screws.

51. In combination,a supply-chute, a spring' for retarding' the speed of a nail as it leaves said chute; feed mechanism into which the nails pass as they leave the chute; and a device for receiving' the impact of the nail as it is delivered to the 'feed mechanism.

52. In combination,a su pply-chute; a spring' bearing' upon, and retarding' the speed of, the nail as it leaves the chute; an abutment for receiving' the impact of the nail delivered by the chute; screw conveycrs to which nails are also delivered by the chute; and means for actuating' said screw conveyers.

53. In combination, screw conveyers; means for actuating' said conveyors in the same direction; and means bearing' against the ends of the articles and for preventing them from rising between the threads of said screw conveyers.

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